While global publishing company DNP had a long history of delivering information on paper and other materials, it wanted to capitalize on the emerging trend of delivering information in digital formats.

Based on observations of how Filoli visitors naturally engaged with audio guidebooks, PARC ethnographers realized that visitors wanted to listen to descriptive information together and share “listening spaces” with each other.

PARC scientists delivered the key components for a tape-like blast dosimeter with integrated memory, control electronics, and multiple sensors – which could be fabricated through printing techniques or be compatible with roll-to-roll processing (key for enabling the novel form factors and low cost), and be customized to specific application needs.

"By partnering with an outside institution like PARC, it forced us to consider ideas that might have been dismissed had they been born internally." — Hitoshi Matsumoto, President, Fujitsu Laboratories America

"The ethnographic approach was significant. They are able to create original solutions, and develop prototype systems that exceed the ability of competitors." — Fumio Saito, General Manager, Dai Nippon Printing

"We were truly impressed by PARC's deep expertise and how they approached, and accomplished, this challenging task." — Dr. Stephan Klotz, Director of Printed Electronics, BASF Future Business

"We are pleased with how smoothly the two companies worked together to develop a partnering arrangement that aligns the long-term interests of both, as well as capture opportunities for government funding not typically available to a startup." — Brad Wurtz, CEO, Power Assure

"The findings were persuasive and the process was efficient for our needs – we would gladly work with PARC again." — Crysta Metcalf, Manager of Experience Research, Motorola Applied Research Center

"PARC has a practical recipe for working in commercial arrangements. I was surprised at how easy it was to put an agreement together regarding IP (being able to clearly define ahead of time what/whose IP and what is shared), and then the openness to go in and solve problems together in that spirit." — Brad Wurtz, CEO, Power Assure

"We gained a unique breakthrough natural language technology, a partnership with a world-class research organization, and a competitive position that we could leverage within the search industry and beyond." — Steve Newcomb, co-founder, Powerset

"With the support of PARC, in just 18 months SolFocus has launched its first product, is developing the next-generation technology, has installed multiple test sites, and is setting the standard in CPV technology." — Gary Conley, CEO, SolFocus